For stroke survivors, outdoor sports provide opportunities
to challenge yourself both physically and mentally due to
an unpredictable and changing environment. Meeting new
challenges can be empowering to a survivor. Here are some
fun outdoor activities that also have great therapeutic value.

Adaptive golf

Golf is a great social and therapeutic activity.

From putting around or getting out on thecourse, golf involves balance and coordinationof the upper extremities, trunk and legs. If walking orstanding is a challenge, many public golf courses haveadaptive golf carts. Just plan ahead, these carts need to bereserved to be delivered to the course you choose.

Hippotherapy

Horseback riding is a favorite outside activityfor many. Survivors have reported feelinga difference in their walking after riding,specifically getting a great stretch in the hips and decreasedtone in the leg muscles. Some report the weight shifting ofthe horse and the exercise of their core while riding improvedtheir balance and alignment with walking.

Adaptive cycling

Cycling is growing in popularity and trailsare being made more accessible. There arenew options for power-assist wheels that canmake cycling more feasible and fun. A quick internet searchon ‘power assisted tricycles’ or ‘power assisted bicycles’will bring up a number of sites with information or that sellthese cycles. Cycling is a fun cardiovascular activity thatcan be enjoyed with friends and family. Local chapters ofthe following organizations often provide adapted cycles forparticipants:

For those who enjoy the water, canoeing,kayaking and sailing are great outdoortherapeutic activities. These water sports aregreat for balance and encouraging whole body coordination.

Often local groups can assist in instruction and adaptations as
needed. The following organizations offering theses services:

Disabled Paddlers Association

In the Baltimore area, Baltimore Adapted Recreation & Sports

Tai chi and yoga

Tai chi and yoga are great activities that canbe practiced inside and outdoors. Both canbe done sitting or standing while focusing onbreathing, balance, coordination, posture and the positive flowof energy. A major difference between tai chi and yoga is thefluidity of the movement. Tai chi movements are constantlymoving from one posture to the next. Yoga focuses on theslow flow of movements from one position to the next. Thefocus of yoga is maintaining and holding each pose. A 2012study reported benefits in yoga that include improved balance,improved quality of life, reduced fear of falling and increasedindependence with daily activities.

Bocce ball

Bocce ball is growing in popularity and is nowa Paralympics sport. Bocce ball is a great teamsport that can be played from a wheelchairor standing. There is strategy to the game, which can bementally stimulating along with being physically challenging.

General Resources

Disabled Sports USA is a resource for more information on
fitness. This website provides links to local chapters or you
can search by specific sports.

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability has
information on nutrition and physical activity for people with
disabilities.